Strawberry Poppy Seed Pecan Chicken Salad

Whenever spring rolls around, I can’t help but crave a refreshing meal, and that’s where my Strawberry Poppy Seed Pecan Chicken Salad comes into play. This dish is like a breath of fresh air; vibrant, colorful, and deliciously nutritious. I remember the first time I made this salad; I had an abundance of fresh strawberries just begging to be used. I wanted something that would highlight their sweet, juicy flavor while also providing a satisfying crunch. Tossing together tender pieces of chicken, crunchy pecans, and a zingy dressing created a delicious balance that left my family and friends begging for seconds. It’s become a staple in our home, especially during warm spring afternoons.

The combination of flavors in this salad is extraordinary. The sweetness of the strawberries, the nuttiness of the pecans, and the bright notes from the dijon mustard and lemon juice create a harmony that’s hard to resist. Each bite feels like a celebration of spring! Whether I’m hosting a family gathering or just enjoying a quiet lunch at home, this salad never disappoints. Plus, it’s incredibly simple to make, which means more time to enjoy the sunshine and less time in the kitchen. I often find myself preparing it on lazy weekends and bringing it to picnics or potlucks. It’s the perfect crowd-pleaser!

As the warmer months approach, I encourage you to whip up this delightful Strawberry Poppy Seed Pecan Chicken Salad. You won’t just satisfy your taste buds, but you’ll feel great about eating something so fresh and wholesome. Let’s dive into why this recipe deserves a spot on your table!

What’s In This Strawberry Poppy Seed Pecan Chicken Salad

Let’s talk about the wonderful ingredients that come together in this salad. Each component plays a significant role, creating a medley of flavors and textures that will surely satisfy your cravings. The key players include fresh strawberries, tender chicken, and crunchy pecans, all brought together by a creamy dressing that ties everything harmoniously.

• 2 cups shredded chicken: Cooked and shredded, this acts as the protein base of the salad, contributing to its heartiness.
• 2 celery stalks, chopped into 1/4 inch pieces: Adds a refreshing crunch and a slight earthiness to the mix.
• 1 green onion, chopped thin: Provides a mild onion flavor that complements the other ingredients.
• 5-6 large strawberries, diced: These sweet gems are the star of the show, bringing vibrant color and flavor.
• ⅓ cup chopped pecans: They add a lovely nuttiness and crunch to the salad.
• ¼ cup mayonnaise: This creamy base makes the salad rich and delicious.
• 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt, plain: Adds creaminess and a tangy flavor that balances the sweetness of the strawberries.
• 1 teaspoon dijon mustard: Provides a subtle tang and depth to the dressing.
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice: Brightens the flavors and enhances the freshness of the salad.
• 1 tablespoon poppy seeds: They add a delightful crunch and a slightly nutty flavor.
• ½ teaspoon pepper: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the salad.
• Salt to taste: Always adjust according to your preference!

The Method for Strawberry Poppy Seed Pecan Chicken Salad

Preparing the Strawberry Poppy Seed Pecan Chicken Salad is as easy as pie! I love how simple it is to put together without sacrificing flavor. Let’s take a look at the detailed steps to create this mouthwatering salad.

1. First, you’ll want to gather all your ingredients. Ensure your chicken is cooked and shredded. You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience, or cook your own!
2. Next, chop the celery into small bite-sized pieces. The crunchiness of the celery adds a refreshing texture to the salad.
3. Now, finely chop the green onion. You want to ensure it’s thin so it adds a subtle flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
4. Then, dice your strawberries into small pieces. The sweetness will blend beautifully with the other elements.
5. In a mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients except for the strawberries. This means the chicken, celery, green onion, pecans, mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, dijon mustard, lemon juice, poppy seeds, pepper, and salt.
6. Stir everything together gently, ensuring that each ingredient is evenly coated with the creamy dressing. You might want to adjust the consistency by adding more mayonnaise or Greek yogurt if desired.
7. Once well combined, fold in the diced strawberries. You can also choose to wait until just before serving to add them, especially if you’re making this salad ahead of time.
8. Now, you have the option to serve it immediately or chill it in the fridge for about 10 to 20 minutes. Chilling allows all the flavors to mingle beautifully!
9. When ready to serve, dish out the salad onto plates or into bowls. A sprinkle of extra pecans on top can make for a lovely presentation.
10. Enjoy your Strawberry Poppy Seed Pecan Chicken Salad and relish in the delightful flavors!

How to Switch It Up

Want to give your Strawberry Poppy Seed Pecan Chicken Salad a twist? Here are some creative ideas to switch things up!

• Add More Fruits: Incorporating other fruits like blueberries, grapes, or apples can add new dimensions to the flavor profile.
• Different Nuts: Try using walnuts or almonds instead of pecans for a different taste and texture.
• Greens Base: Serve the salad on a bed of mixed greens or spinach for a fresh twist. It’s a great way to add more nutrients!
• Spice It Up: If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing.
• Grain Addition: For a more filling option, mix in some cooked quinoa or farro to turn it into a heartier meal.

Perfect Pairings for Strawberry Poppy Seed Pecan Chicken Salad

When it comes to serving the Strawberry Poppy Seed Pecan Chicken Salad, there are endless opportunities to make it a complete meal. Here are some delicious pairing ideas:

• Pair with Fresh Bread: Serve this salad alongside some warm, crusty bread for a satisfying lunch.
• Perfect for Picnics: This salad is ideal for outdoor gatherings; pack it up in a cooler with some refreshing drinks.
• Serve with Grilled Chicken: For a complete meal, consider serving grilled chicken on the side or even on top of the salad!
• Ideal for Brunch: This salad makes for a delightful brunch option, especially with mimosas or fresh fruit juices.
• Seasonal Events: It’s perfect for spring celebrations like Easter brunch or baby showers, bringing a pop of color to the table.
• Storage Tips: Store the salad in an airtight container and it will last for 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Just remember to add the strawberries fresh!

FAQ

Conclusion

The Strawberry Poppy Seed Pecan Chicken Salad is a wonderful dish that celebrates the flavors of spring. It’s not only delicious but also versatile enough to enjoy on various occasions. I encourage you to give this recipe a try; you’ll love how easy it is to prepare and how delightful it tastes. Enjoy your cooking journey and relish every bite!

Strawberry Poppy Seed Pecan Chicken Salad

Craving something fresh and flavorful? This Strawberry Poppy Seed Pecan Chicken Salad is bursting with juicy strawberries, crunchy pecans, and tender chicken, making it an easy weeknight dinner. Perfect for spring, this salad is not just delicious but also a feast for the eyes. Try it tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Salads

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups shredded chicken
• 2 stalks celery chopped into 1/4 inch pieces
• 1 green onion chopped thin
• 5-6 large strawberries diced
• ⅓ cup chopped pecans
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt plain
• 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• salt to taste

Equipment

• Wooden Spoon
• Chef's Knife
• Cutting Board
• Mixing Bowl

Method

 

1. Cut and chop ingredients accordingly.
2. In a mixing bowl, add all the ingredients except the strawberries. Stir to combine and evenly coat. Add more mayonnaise or Greek yogurt to adjust to desired consistency.
3. Fold in strawberries–or you can wait until just before serving to add the strawberries if serving at a later time.
4. You can serve this salad immediately or chill for about 10-20 minutes before serving.

Notes

• Store leftovers: in an airtight container for 3-5 days.
• Wait: on adding the strawberries if you are not serving this salad until the next day. If you don’t plan on serving this until the next day or quite a bit of time after you make it, hold off on tossing the strawberries in until about 10-15 minutes before serving as the red bleeds into the salad and they really lose color.
• Other possible add-ins: sliced almonds, sunflower seeds, chickpeas, raisins, craisins, chopped boiled eggs, grapes, and more!

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Meet Jade Summer

Reliability is just as important as flavor. I am the one double checking measurements and testing temperatures. I cooked this recipe repeatedly, troubleshooting any tricky parts, so you can trust that it will turn out perfectly the very first time you try it.